Carol Kirkwood is set to deliver an emotional goodbye to BBC Breakfast today, marking the end of a remarkable 28-year tenure with the broadcaster. The 63-year-old weather presenter tearfully announced her decision to leave in a statement shared back in January, describing it as a difficult choice that weighed heavily on her mind.
Motivation Behind the Departure
In the months leading up to her official announcement, Carol hinted that her departure was motivated by a desire to prioritize her personal life, specifically to spend more quality time with her husband, Steve Randall. She explained that she would not be reaching her 30th anniversary on the network, opting instead to embark on travels with Steve, perhaps within the next year or two.
Plans for Retirement
Carol shared her vision for retirement, which includes potential adventures in a camper van or spontaneous road trips across France. She reflected on their shared love for Majorca, a destination that inspired her fifth novel, Meet Me at Sunset, about a woman escaping a broken relationship. During her farewell speech, Carol admitted that since marrying Steve on December 27, 2023, they have often been like "ships that pass in the night," making her eager to change that dynamic.
Relationship Journey
Carol initially kept her relationship private, revealing in June 2021 that she was dating someone she described as kind, funny, and extremely handsome. She gushed about his romantic gestures, such as making her tea before her early morning shifts and leaving love notes. The pair got engaged in 2022, and in 2023, Carol publicly introduced Steve Randall, a police officer who is 50 years old, making him 13 years her junior.
Personal Backgrounds
Both Carol and Steve have previous marriages. Carol was married to cricketer Jimmy Kirkwood from 1990 until 2008, while Steve was previously married to Nichola Randall for 12 years, divorcing in 2017, and they share a teenage son. The couple now resides together in Carol's £2 million home in Berkshire.
Wedding and Happiness
Carol described her wedding day as "the most perfect and romantic and intimate" occasion, sharing snaps on social media two days after the ceremony. She emphasized that it was a private, not secret, event, and expressed overwhelming happiness with their new life together. As she steps away from BBC Breakfast, Carol looks forward to focusing on her marriage and future travels, leaving behind a lasting legacy in British television.
